In Niger, 40 Women, Children Rescued from Boko Haram After Months in Captivity
In a major breakthrough against terrorism, security forces in Niger State have successfully rescued 40 women and children abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during coordinated attacks on communities in Munya Local Government Area last year, PRNigeria learnt.
The victims, according to Zagazola Makama comprising 13 women and 27 children—were taken hostage during violent raids on the communities of Madaka, Allawa, and Sarkin-Pawa in April 2024. Intelligence sources revealed that some of the abducted women were forcibly married to insurgents, with a few giving birth while in captivity.
The rescue, which followed sustained intelligence-led operations launched earlier this month, was carried out by a combined team of military and law enforcement agencies. The operatives traced the captives to terrorist enclaves deep within forested areas, leading to a successful extraction of the victims without casualties.
Security sources confirmed that the rescued individuals have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where they are receiving medical treatment, psychological care, and undergoing thorough debriefing.
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A list released by security authorities identified the rescued women as Zuwaira Ahmed, Zahia Ibrahim, Zainab Sani, Hajara Mohammed, Saratu Garba, Qamariya Ibrahim, Asabe Luka, Hauwa Ibrahim, Tani Ali, Salima Usman, Hauwa Musa, Hauwa Ibrahim, and Murja Salihu.
The female children rescued include Zainab Mohammed, Maryam Mohammed, Fatima Mohammed, Zainab Janidu, Zulira Umar, Maryam Umar, Nuratu Nura, Ruma Salihu, Nafisa Ibrahim, Ramatu Adamu, Hafsat Isiyaku, Farida Haruna, Rabi Nasiru, and Khadija Basiru.
Male children rescued include Aliyu Abubakar, Abdullahi Ahmed, Zahidu Abdulrahman, Yusuf Abubakar, Choice Amos, Desire Amos, Ibrahim Mustapha, and Umar Zanaidu.
A security official involved in the operation said: “These rescue efforts were the result of precise intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and strategic planning. The mission was conducted with the utmost care to ensure the safety of the victims.”
The source added that further search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with teams continuing to comb identified terrorist hideouts in the region to free more captives and neutralize remaining insurgent threats.
Authorities assured that the rescued victims will be reunited with their families following medical evaluations, trauma counseling, and security clearance.
This latest operation underscores the government’s renewed commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace to conflict-affected areas in Niger State and across Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
